saw that Springer really meant business
he didn't dare do a thing."

"I've heard the fellows talking about it," said Hooker, "but I don't
believe Grant was afraid of Phil Springer. A fellow who would take the
chances he did to save Lela Barker from drowning couldn't be frightened
by Springer."

"I've heard about that, too, and, as near as I can make out, Grant took
those chances because he had to."

"Had to? Why----"

"He had to after he got caught by the current and carried over the dam
with the girl. There couldn't be any backing out then. I'll bet he
never would have jumped into the water at all if he'd stopped a moment
to consider the danger. According to the story I've heard, it was
really that big lout, Bunk Lander, who did the great act of heroism and
saved both Grant and the Barker girl; but of course Grant got most of
the credit. Anyway, I know that some fellows have lost a bit of their
confidence in the cowpuncher since Springer faced him down; they're due
to get the rest of it shaken out before the game ends Saturday."

"I suppose you're mighty confident again that Oakdale will get beaten?"

"It's a certainty this time, Hook. Let me give you a little tip. You
lost some money on that game with Barville, and this is the chance to
win it back. Bet on Wyndham Saturday and you'll even up your mistake
before."

"My mistake! It wasn't my mistake; it was yours. Besides, you didn't
keep your word about making good any loss I might suffer. You put me
in a nasty hole, Rackliff."

"I don't see why. To hear you talk, anybody might think you were
ruined instead of merely getting hit for less than a fiver. Never knew
a fellow to put up such a squeal over a little money."

Hooker's cheeks were flushed and he faced Herbert, his undershot jaw
seeming to project still further than usual.

"I lost more than that," he said.

"What? You did? Why, you only gave me four dollars and----"

"I lost something more than money."

"You didn't tell me about it."

"I haven't told anyone--but my mother. I had to tell her the other
day. When you wanted me to bet on that game I told you I didn't have
any money."

"Yes."

"But I knew where my mother had some money put away in a drawer--some
money she had been saving up a little at a time to buy the material for
a new dress. I went into that drawer and took that money. You were so
positive that I could not lose that I--well, I stole the money."

"Dear me